A behind-the-scenes look at HVAC maintenance in Montreal: when air ducts hold unexpected surprises
At AirGreen, our expertise in air duct cleaning throughout Greater Montreal goes far beyond dust and allergens. Every service call brings unique situations and sometimes… truly surprising discoveries. As we work across Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore, our trained technicians occasionally come across completely unexpected items lodged in ductwork. These strange finds are not only entertaining—they highlight the importance of scheduling regular maintenance of your ventilation systems, and they show how only a local company like AirGreen can truly handle these cases with professionalism and precision.
Why is regular air duct cleaning so important?
Before diving into our top 10 list of the most unusual objects, it’s worth remembering that ductwork plays a vital role in indoor air quality. When not cleaned regularly, they can become traps for dust, mold, pollutants, and sometimes… lost or forgotten objects. These can reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system, create strange noises, or even block airflow entirely.
A professional duct cleaning, performed by an experienced team like ours, ensures better energy efficiency, a longer lifespan for your equipment, and healthier air in your home or business.
Top 10 unusual objects found in air ducts by AirGreen
Our technicians travel weekly throughout Greater Montreal to carry out HVAC cleanings. Here is a list of 10 real objects discovered in air ducts, based on actual stories from our team in the field.
1. A dog toy stuck in Laval
During a cleaning in a Laval home, our technicians found a rubber ball stuck in a vent. The customer had been wondering about a dull thudding sound every time the system started up. Mystery solved!
2. A hairbrush in a condo in Old Montreal
In a residential building in Old Montreal, a hairbrush had been accidentally sucked into a central ventilation system. The result: reduced airflow in several rooms.
3. Pokémon cards in a house in Longueuil
Collectible cards—most likely slipped in by a curious child—were partially blocking a secondary duct. The family had no idea their children’s playtime could disrupt their ventilation system.
4. A deactivated iPhone in a villa on the South Shore
Yes, you read that right. During a service call on the South Shore, our technicians discovered an iPhone wedged between two elbow joints in the ductwork. It had gone missing two years earlier.
5. Sandwich remains in a daycare in Laval
The kitchen ventilation at this daycare had a persistent bad smell. The cause? A decomposing sandwich lodged in an exhaust vent. Problem solved and instant relief.
6. A child’s sock in Saint-Eustache
A single sock had been sucked into a return vent in a North Shore family home. It was blocking airflow in a child’s bedroom, causing uneven temperatures throughout the house.
7. A collection of beer caps in Verdun
In a duplex in the Verdun neighborhood of Montreal, we found a surprising number of beer caps. According to the current owner, a former tenant had a habit of “tossing them into the air vent.” True story.
8. A plastic doll in a condo in Anjou
This small item was causing a constant humming noise in the playroom. Taking apart the duct revealed a doll, most likely slid in by a child. A classic find in our line of work!
9. A pearl necklace in Côte-Saint-Luc
In a rental unit, the necklace had been sucked into a floor vent. It was partially blocking the metal grille and creating an unpleasant whistling sound. A delicate but successful recovery.
10. Car keys in a home in Pointe-Claire
The client thought they had lost them at the mall. Turns out, they had simply fallen into a garage air vent, causing a metallic rattling noise whenever the system was running.
Why a professional HVAC cleaning service matters
These anecdotes remind us that air ducts can unintentionally become hiding places. But beyond the novelty, they underline the importance of professional HVAC cleaning. Only a trained, well-equipped team can perform this work without damaging the ductwork and while complying with all health and safety standards.
At AirGreen, we use advanced tools such as inspection cameras, motorized brushes, and high-powered vacuums to ensure deep cleaning. We also adapt our approach to suit the building type—whether it’s a downtown condo, a single-family home in Laval, or a commercial space on the South Shore.
Custom installation and maintenance services across Greater Montreal
Our expertise in HVAC maintenance allows us to work efficiently in all kinds of environments:
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Single-family homes
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Multi-unit buildings
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New or older condos
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Commercial properties
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Daycares and schools
Whether you’re in Montreal, Longueuil, Boucherville, Laval, or Saint-Jérôme, our team is ready to respond quickly to your needs.
When should you call AirGreen for duct cleaning?
Here are some signs that it’s time to call in the pros:
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Persistent odors coming from vents
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Frequent allergies or respiratory issues
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Strange noises in the ductwork
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Excess dust buildup
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Inconsistent indoor temperatures despite a working system
Regular preventive maintenance will help extend your system’s life, boost its performance, and ensure healthy indoor air for everyone.
What you get with AirGreen
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Local expertise tailored to the unique Montreal climate
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A thorough and personalized approach
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Total transparency throughout the service process
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Skilled, friendly, and detail-oriented technicians
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Concrete and measurable results
We do more than just remove weird objects: we ensure your ventilation system functions properly, and we guarantee the lasting comfort of your home or business.
Conclusion: Behind every air vent, there’s a story
Our unusual discoveries show that a simple HVAC cleaning can reveal much more than just dust. They also highlight our ongoing commitment to providing top-quality service, focused on client satisfaction, system performance, and optimal indoor air quality.
Call AirGreen today for a professional air duct cleaning. Whether it’s about energy savings, your health—or just out of curiosity—you’ll be in expert hands.